In a blend of experience and budding talent, Rassie Erasmus has announced his Springboks lineup to square off against the Barbarians this coming Saturday. Notably, Faf de Klerk is set to make a celebrated return to the bench, marking his first appearance for the national team since their victory over Georgia last year. The squad also welcomes five uncapped players, promising a fresh dynamism in the upcoming game.
Faf de Klerk, the veteran scrum-half, is slated to join the Springboks after his stint with the Cheetahs next season. His strategic acumen will be a key addition from the bench. Among the newcomers, Junior Boks captain Riley Norton and Carlu Sadie are set to start, while JJ Kotze, Paul de Villiers, and Vusi Moyo are poised to make their debut from the sidelines.
The squad's composition reflects a strategic blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers. Aphelele Fassi will hold position 15, flanked by speedsters Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe. The midfield will see Jesse Kriel and Andre Esterhuizen, with Quan Horn and Grant Williams as the half-back pairing. The formidable back-row features Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and captain Siya Kolisi, with Franco Mostert and the debuting Norton locking down the scrum. The front-row will be anchored by Sadie, alongside Andre-Hugo Venter and Ox Nche.
Erasmus has chosen a 6:2 split for the bench, indicating a forward-heavy game plan. The uncapped trio—Kotze, de Villiers, and Moyo—will join de Klerk, with Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Evan Roos completing the reserves.
"We said from the outset that we wanted to give a few players returning from injury and others who have been playing overseas game time in this match, while at the same time exposing some of the younger players on our radar to top-class international rugby, and we believe this squad reflects those objectives,"
Erasmus explained.On the challenge posed by the Barbarians, Erasmus noted,
"They have a group of exciting and experienced players in their squad, and they'll come out guns blazing and try to produce an entertaining style of rugby, which will serve as a good test for us. They will challenge us, but this will be a good hit-out for our players to get back into top-level international rugby, with the England match a little over two weeks ago."
Springboks Team v Barbarians:
Starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Quan Horn, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Riley Norton, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Vusi Moyo
This match promises not just a test of strength but also a glimpse into the potential future of Springboks rugby, blending the tried and tested with the energy of new blood.